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American Flag City |
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Dear Fellow American, I attended a 4th of July parade held in a rural Idaho town close to where I grew up. It was the turn of the century…a new millennium…the year 2000. Instead of experiencing what I expected, I became appalled and saddened by a disappointing display of disrespect and apathy that haunts me to this day. As the color guard proceeded around the quaint town square I immediately noticed more people NOT saluting and generally demonstrating disrespect for the American Flag as it proceeded by, than who did. People continued to talk. Hats stayed on men’s heads. Hands failed to raise up to people’s hearts. “My God”, I thought, “What has become of our people, our community, our Nation?” I had gone to the parade in a conservative, all-American town, expecting to experience the usual tears and lump in the throat from the emotion of seeing Old Glory, as well as feeling my deep, abiding love for country. Instead, I left the parade early, disgusted and tearful because of the lack of patriotism and honor displayed by so many on the birthday of our beloved America. I have always loved my country. I have always respected and honored our sacred American Flag. Even though I was scared to death of the possibility of going to war, at the age of 19 during the Vietnam War, I volunteered to serve my country by enlisting in the military. I got married, the war ended, I raised a family. I have always been proud of being an American, even when I was spat upon and called “baby killer”, even though during my military service, I never even set foot on Vietnamese soil. Every time I saw the flag of the United States of America, my heart swelled with pride. Every time I heard the Star Spangled Banner, I’d feel lumps form in my throat. Every time I heard taps played, tears would flow down my cheeks. In the paraphrased words of a popular musician and performer, “I love my country, even though I may not always like or agree with the ‘scene’”. I raised my 3 sons that way…love our country, respect our flag, honor our troops and veterans, and serve whenever called. Yes, on that fateful July 4, 2000, my heart ached and I wondered if in a small, rural, conservative Idaho town so many had forgotten and failed…what was happening to the minds, hearts and souls of Americans elsewhere? I pondered…I prayed…I wondered…and I prayed some more. My heart swelled with pride and patriotism. My soul called out with commitment. My mind filled with inspiration. And…those often thought-of words, “If not me, who; if not now, when?” exploded from my lips. I swore to go forward with a new mission in life: to promote respect for the American Flag, support our military, honor our veterans…and to make it my life’s mission to set the pace, lead by example, and engage work to make that happen. I began my crusade that very day, July 4, 2000. Shortly thereafter, I teamed up with an 85 year old World War II Vet who had committed the last 30+ years of his life to U.S. Flag Education. His list of accomplishments could fill a book, but let me just sum it up with one example: Otha McGill almost single-handedly pushed a bill through the Idaho State legislature, making it law that American Flag education would be included in 5th graders’ social studies curriculum throughout the entire state. It was my honor to join forces with Otha McGill and serve as his Vice President in the non-profit organization, United States Flag Education, Inc. until his passing earlier this year at the age of 91. I should also mention there were others who worked for Flag Education with Otha, including Audrey Neiwerth, Mayor of the City of Rupert, Idaho, as well as school superintendents and school curriculum directors. In addition to my work with Otha McGill, I have also had my own liberty patriotic projects and programs. One of those projects is called Flag Ship Liberty, which is a major player in my most recent endeavor – AmericanFlagCity and the Association of American Flag Cities. Flag Ship Liberty is a special, 40 foot long, mobile display consisting of 50 - 3’ x 5’ flags of each and every state in the Union, headed up and lead by a larger American Flag. AmericanFlagCity is most similar to the Tree City, USA concept conducted by the National Arbor Day Foundation. The purpose of both Flag Ship Liberty and American Flag City is continue my pledge I solemnly swore on July 4th 2000…and the promise I made to my dear friend, Otha McGill, before he passed away this spring. Those I add to a life-long oath I swore before God and other witnesses when I joined the military more than 35 years ago, “I swear to defend and uphold the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic”. July 4th 2002, Flag Ship Liberty (see accompanying info to learn more about Flag Ship Liberty) made its debut and maiden voyage – same town and same parade, different year, as the incident of 2000. Last fall, 2005, the City of Burley, Idaho (home town and base of America Flag City and Flag Ship Liberty) became the very first American Flag City/Flag City, USA, when the town’s Mayor, during a regular city council meeting, read and signed a Proclamation of such. Now, joining the ranks of American Flag Cities are Murtaugh, Idaho - Rupert, Idaho - Declo, Idaho; and, Paul, Idaho. Flag Ship Liberty has just been rejuvenated, repaired and upgraded. It is now roadworthy with new tires and fenders. It has just received a new paint job. It is ready to travel around the country fulfilling its mission, as well as promoting American Flag Cities…from sea to shining sea. AmericanFlagCity is “out of the gate” and expanding. I am sharing it forward. It is gaining momentum. It will progress and succeed as a Movement. With your city’s proclamation and team effort, we will together stand united for Liberty and Justice for ALL while growing and expanding our citizen’s thoughtfulness, love and respect for our Flag and the Nation for which IT stands. We WILL see our community’s crime rate decrease as community pride and spirit increase, as awareness and respect for our Flag and what it stands for increase… citizen/individual by citizen/individual, city by city, and state by state. Hey, not the answer to all our problems in America. But, we will make a difference as we focus more and more on making the American Ideals and dreams more and more our own reality. The foundation was established more than 230 years ago. It is up to us to be the architects of the building of this, the greatest Nation on the earth. Please complete the application, make the proclamation…and BE an official AmericanFlagCity!
Sincerely,
Steven Thompson President and CEO, AmericanFlagCity |
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